Palk Strait
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Overview
The Palk Strait lies between Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka and is about 30 km across at its narrowest. Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) lies to its south.
It is named after Robert Palk, a governor of Madras in the 18th century.
It is shallow, so large ships cannot pass and must go around Sri Lanka; the Sethusamudram project to cut a channel was stalled.
The Katchatheevu islet, ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974, and fishing disputes make it a regular topic in India–Sri Lanka ties.
It connects the Bay of Bengal with the Palk Bay.
It is about 53 to 80 km wide.
The strait is shallow.
Fishers from both countries depend on its waters.
Geography and key facts
- Tamil Nadu–Sri Lanka
- About 30 km at narrowest
- Named after Robert Palk
- Too shallow for big ships
- Katchatheevu (1974)
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on maritime geography.
Note for UPSC
Between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka; Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) lies at its south.
Useful for questions on maritime geography, ports and islands nearby.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Palk Strait yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Gulf, bay or strait
- State / UT
- Tamil Nadu
- Coordinates
- 10.000°N, 79.750°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
More gulfs, bays and straits nearby
Other places in Tamil Nadu
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